Come along with me as I take you on a culinary journey through my unforgettable experience at a Middle Eastern restaurant where I stumbled upon the closely guarded recipe for roasted eggplant with couscous. This heartwarming story exemplifies the power of food to create cherished memories and bring people closer together in ways we never thought possible. From savoring the rich and diverse flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to finding solace in times of uncertainty, this culinary adventure will surely leave you feeling nourished and fulfilled.
It was a warm and sunny afternoon when my parents and I visited a highly recommended Middle Eastern restaurant in Houston. Little did we know that our culinary adventure would be accompanied by an unexpected turn of events that would make this day truly memorable.
As we entered the restaurant, the enticing aroma of exotic spices and the sounds of lively chatter filled the air. The warm and inviting atmosphere, adorned with intricate Middle Eastern tapestries and art, immediately drew us in. After perusing the menu, we ordered the roasted eggplant with couscous, a dish recommended by our server and prepared by an Egyptian woman who worked in the kitchen.
Just as we began to enjoy our delicious meal, the peaceful ambiance of the restaurant was suddenly interrupted by the distant sound of chanting and commotion. Curious, we looked out the window to see a protest near the restaurant. The noise grew louder, and the energy outside became palpable. Despite the unexpected turn of events, we decided to stay and continue enjoying our meal. It was fascinating to see the contrast between the serenity inside the restaurant and the chaos outside.
As we savored each bite of the roasted eggplant with couscous, we couldn’t help but be impressed by the depth of flavor and the harmonious balance of spices. The perfectly cooked couscous was an exquisite accompaniment, making each mouthful a delightful experience. Amidst the unfolding demonstration, we were struck by how food could provide comfort and solace in times of uncertainty.
As our meal ended, I felt compelled to ask for the recipe that made this dish so incredibly delicious. Initially, the owner hesitated, explaining that the recipe was not meant to be shared with an outsider. However, I persisted, expressing my admiration for the dish and eagerness to recreate it at home.
To my surprise and delight, the owner eventually relented and agreed to share the recipe. Armed with the secret ingredients and instructions, I couldn’t wait to try making this exquisite dish in my kitchen.
The experience that day left an indelible impression on me. It was a testament to food’s power to unite people, even during unforeseen events like the protest we witnessed. As we left the restaurant, the demonstration outside dispersed, and the streets returned to their usual calm.
That evening, I couldn’t help but reflect on Middle Eastern cuisine’s rich and diverse flavors. It was a reminder of how different cultures and traditions have shaped the dishes we enjoy today and how food can create connections between people despite their differing backgrounds.
With the recipe, I set out to recreate the roasted eggplant with couscous dish at home. After a few attempts and adjustments, I could finally capture the essence of the dish we enjoyed at the restaurant. Each bite transported me back to that memorable day in Houston, reminding me of the restaurant’s warmth, the unexpected protest, and the owner’s kindness in sharing the secret recipe.
So, the next time you enjoy a meal at a restaurant or try out a new recipe at home, take a moment to appreciate the journey that led you to that dish and the connections it has helped create. And who knows? You may find yourself with a memorable story, much like the one I experienced at that Middle Eastern restaurant in Houston.
This is how I created the roasted eggplant with couscous in my own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 pieces of medium eggplants
- 2 tablespoons of ground cumin
- 2 pieces of crushed garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon of chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons of ground coriander
- A rind of 1 medium lemon
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of boiling water
- 1/4 cup of almonds, flaked and toasted
- 3/4 cup of couscous
- 1/4 cup of sultanas
- 1/4 cup of chopped green olives
- Black pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped scallions (spring onion, alternatively)
- 1/4 cup of cilantro and mint (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
How to create roasted eggplant with couscous?
- Preheating the oven is crucial to ensure the eggplant cooks evenly and properly. Setting it at 350F/180C is ideal for a flavorful roasted eggplant.
- When slicing the eggplant, use a sharp knife to create even slices. Be sure to create diagonal criss-cross scores, which are about a quarter of an inch deep, to ensure that the chermoula penetrates the flesh of the eggplant and adds an exquisite flavor. It’s important to avoid cutting the skin as this helps the eggplant retain its shape while roasting.
- Chermoula is a spice mixture that adds an incredible flavor to the eggplant. To make it, combine various spices such as garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, and lemon juice, among other ingredients. Mix everything into a paste, and spread it generously over the eggplant slices, ensuring each one is coated with the mixture.
- Next, place the eggplant slices on a baking tray with the flesh side up. Roast the eggplant for about 40 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Depending on the size of the eggplant, the cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as necessary.
- While the eggplant is roasting, add the couscous to a bowl with salt and sultanas. Pour boiling water over the couscous mixture and cover the bowl for 5 minutes. After the couscous has absorbed the water, fluff it with a fork and add the remaining ingredients, such as chopped parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil. Toss everything together to combine, and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- When serving, spoon the couscous over each eggplant slice and add a dollop of yogurt on top. You can use a vegan alternative to yogurt if desired. Sprinkle some cilantro over the dish for garnish, and serve warm for best results. However, the dish is still delicious at room temperature.
Roasted eggplant with couscous is a flavorful and healthy dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With the right preparation and seasoning, everyone can enjoy this dish, whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover. The combination of tender roasted eggplant and fluffy couscous makes for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. So why not try it and impress your family and friends with this delicious recipe?
